Director of Business & Economic Development - ASCEND

Director of Business Development

CO-WY ASCEND Engine Metro Denver EDC

Overview

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce/Metro Denver EDC is hiring for a Director of Business & Economic Development for the ASCEND Engine of Colorado and Wyoming, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Engine award in partnership with Innosphere Ventures.

The NSF Advanced Sensing and Computation for Environmental Decision-making (ASCEND) Engine in Colorado and Wyoming is a place-based innovation ecosystem designed to transform cutting-edge research in advanced sensing and computation into economic and societal impact. With Colorado and Wyoming facing increasing challenges, including wildfires, water scarcity, soil degradation and extreme weather events, this region serves as a strategic testbed for high-impact, technology-driven adaptation strategies. By harnessing advanced sensing, AI-driven analytics, and data-informed decision-making, the NSF ASCEND Engine accelerates the development of scalable resilience solutions.

The Director of Business Development for the ASCEND Engine of Colorado and Wyoming will support the growth of nascent technologies in ASCEND verticals through global business attraction, and champion the establishment of the Colorado and Wyoming region as an epicenter for this corporate investment into this emerging industry.

Leading Metro Denver EDC's ASCEND Engine team, dedicated to attracting and retaining companies focused on the commercialization and scaling of these technologies in one of the most dynamic regions in the country, will be a core focus of this position. The Chamber is looking for a high-energy, business-savvy leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, policy, and economic growth.

This is a contract, grant-funded role. The Director reports to the Metro Denver EDC's Vice President of Corporate Attraction.

Key Responsibilities Team Leadership

• Supervise the Manager of Business Development and Intern; oversee critical Engine Team work functions.
• Drive strategic integration of Engine goals with Metro Denver EDC Objectives and Key Results.
• Foster collaboration between the EDC Business Development and Economic Competitiveness teams.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Convene business, industry, research, and government leaders to identify and advance ASCEND initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in climate technology, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Develop partnerships between research institutions, private sector companies, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of climate-resilient technologies.

Business Development & Innovation Support

• Identify and pursue business attraction and expansion opportunities in ASCEND sectors.
• Support research-to-market pathways for climate technologies developed within CO-WY Engine-affiliated institutions.
• Provide market intelligence and connect companies to relevant resources.
• Facilitate partnerships between established companies and emerging climate tech startups.

Program Management

• Lead the formation and management of climate innovation cohorts.
• Develop commercialization support programs and coordinate climate tech demonstration projects.
• Support the EDC Economic Competitiveness team with climate sector analysis and reporting.
• Track and report on key performance indicators for ASCEND initiatives.

Business Attraction & Marketing

• Develop and implement strategies to promote the CO-WY Engine region as a hub for climate technology innovation.
• Provide sector expertise and data to companies considering expansion or relocation.
• Support Metro Denver EDC and partners in attracting climate-focused investment.

FLSA: Exempt

Reports to: VP of Economic Development

Salary Range: 90,000 - $110,000

Grant Funded

accepting applications until 4/6

DENVER METRO CHAMBER BENEFITS SUMMARY

DMCC has created a workplace culture that allows our team to focus on excellent work. We are proud to offer comprehensive benefits and work continually to identify ways to improve.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision
• Rx Coverage
• Flexible Spending
• 401K and up to 4% match
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Legal Shield
• Generous PTO
• Paid Volunteer Hours
• Paid Holidays

Because of our commitment to fair, and equitable pay, we are guided by pay transparency. Meaning, we set salary ranges based on competitive market data. Our intent is to be up front will all candidates about the salary range for their role so candidates can be confident that they are receiving competitive wages.

The Chamber and its affiliates are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees. Employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Compensation details: 00 Yearly Salary

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